Jayawardene shines despite batting at 6th position
Proving the pressure of batting at No 6 position wrong, the Sri Lankan batsman, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/HAPW-Jayawardene-c1529 scored 112 off 168 balls to empower his side to conclude their first innings with 400 runs. He batted quite comfortably and did not feel any pressure while
batting up in the order.
Initially, the newly appointed Sri Lankan skipper, Tillakaratne Dilshan’s decision to place Jayawardene at no 6 was salaamed as many thought that strategy was not going to work but young batsman’s outstanding performance stunned all.
It was Jayawardene’s third century in Test cricket and first one against the English who are now alarmed at his firepower that may upset them in the preceding innings.
Talking to the media here on today, Jayawardene said, "I love handling pressure. I don't know why everyone thinks that I am under pressure because I have always proved myself when I have played for Sri Lanka.”
Jayawardene often bats at No 7 and has been consistent overall throughout his career. He was also taken aback yesterday when asked to hold the 6th position.
He told, “It is a new challenge for me, normally I bat at seven but all the management have supported me and I think I have rewarded it.”
The brash batsman rendered all the English bowlers helpless and the spectators dumb by lashing 12 excellent fours.
Jayawardene considers himself fortunate enough to have a ton at the English soil in the very first innings. He exclaimed, “Everyone wants to get a hundred in England. I think I had some luck, I knew I had a good chance but I didn't think about it. I just
batted normally and I am very happy about that.”
The 31-year-old batsman staged his Test debut against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Pakistan-c755 in June 2000. He has played 36 matches so far and possesses splendid averages.
Jayawardene has some good experience of the English grounds’ condition as he has played there in Sri Lanka Under-19 in 1998.
The batsman is satisfied with their mammoth total and he hopes that they will contain England’s batting line-up early.
Jayawardene also praised the Lankan coach, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Stuart-Grant-Law-c91460, whose strenuous efforts, he thought, had capacitated the team to perk up.
He paid thanks to his teammates, supporters and fans for their encouragement and appreciation towards his glorious performance.
Though http://www.senore.com/Cricket/SL-Malinga-c2540 are not playing.
On the other hand, the English are much emboldened by their two back to back Ashes victories and home ground factor is an additional favour for them.
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